The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: R Myers on February 11, 2001, 08:07:00 AM
Title: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: R Myers on February 11, 2001, 08:07:00 AM
Chap. 55 - Not With Outward Show
Listen to Not With Outward Show
Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding "when the kingdom of God should come." More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2. And as yet these Pharisees saw no indication of the establishment of the kingdom. Many of those who rejected John, and at every step had opposed Jesus, were insinuating that His mission had failed. Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming. "The days will come," He said, turning to His disciples, "when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it." Because it is not attended by worldly pomp, you are in danger of failing to discern the glory of My mission. You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God. Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book. As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. They recognized the fact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being, unaided by divine agency, could comprehend. They needed the help of Him whom kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. With amazement they read and reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! how slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ! Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature. Their eyes were holden, so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity. But after they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see Him again, and to place themselves at His feet! How they wished that they might come to Him, and have Him explain the scriptures which they could not comprehend! How attentively would they listen to His words! What had Christ meant when He said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? John 16:12. How eager they were to know it all! They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality. A herald had been sent from God to proclaim the coming of Christ, and to call the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to His mission, that men might prepare for His reception. The wonderful personage whom John had announced had been among them for more than thirty years, and they had not really known Him as the One sent from God. Remorse took hold of the disciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven their opinions and becloud their understanding. The Light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they had failed to comprehend whence were its beams. They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made it necessary for Christ to reprove them. They often repeated His conversations, and said, Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding! Thomas would not believe until he had thrust his finger into the wound made by the Roman soldiers. Peter had denied Him in His humiliation and rejection. These painful remembrances came before them in distinct lines. They had been with Him, but they had not known or appreciated Him. But how these things now stirred their hearts as they recognized their unbelief! As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things. It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time. The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Selfishness is evil and it makes it very difficult to understand the character of our God. The Holy Spirit is needed to reveal the dual character of the nature of Christ. God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh is a mystery that God desires we should all comprehend. Our desires before we know God is for the things of this world. It was the purpose of Jesus to reveal the unseen world and to transform our natures in our sinful flesh.
"...today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, 'My kingdom is not of this world.' John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne."
Title: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Joan Rügemer on February 11, 2001, 08:31:00 AM
Desire of Ages Chapter 55 Not With Outward Show
Have you ever wondered what Jesus actually preached ? He preached nothing other than the good news of the kingdom of God :) He spoke to all he met after his resurrection only about the things of the kingdom of God for forty days until His ascension.
He taught that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, every thing else we need for living will be given us. He casted out devils by the Spirit of God thereby proving that the kingdom of God has come to us. Being persecuted for preaching the gospel of the kingdom is an indication that the kingdom of God has come to that place. He emphasized that rich persons have it real hard getting into the kingdom of God, but repenting extortionists and harlots get in more easily. He cautioned in an analogy to get rid of the offending 'member of one’s body' if it hinders one being accepted eternally in the kingdom of God. He laid great stress on bringing children into the kingdom of God. The attitude of a child’s trust and quickness to forgive are the hallmarks of one who is able to receive the kingdom of God. He proclaimed that the kingdom of God was for the poor. Time and again it is stated that healing the sick and preaching the kingdom of God go hand in hand. From the north, east, west, south shall be people coming into membership of the kingdom of God. For those giving up for the kingdom of God his house, marriage partner, parents, children, or brethern, will receive manifold recompensation. Jesus strongly said that no one can even see the kingdom of God unless he is born again of the Spirit of God and of baptism water.
Besides the simile of the mustard seed and leaven to give a good idea of how the kingdom of God starts small but grows to immense proportions, he did give one strict warning to wanne-be Christians. Jesus said that nobody starting to plough in the kingdom of God, who gets turning his head back to the old ways with yearning to do and participate in those worldly things of the past, is fit for the kingdom of God. The person can not serve two masters, either it be mammon or it is to be Christ. ---------
Paul and the other Apostles were preaching just along the same lines that Jesus used. The emphasis was on the gospel of the kingdom of God. Paul and Barnabas exhorted the people to continue in the faith telling them that we enter the kingdom of God through much tribulation. In a certain phrase of Paul’s mission journey’s he went into synagogues and spoke boldy of things concerning the kingdom of God. Paul taught that the kingdom of God is not partying up with eating lots of meat and drinkings but has to do with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. He taught that the kingdom of God is not set-up alone for preaching but for the display of power in lives. Then Paul gave a list of all which will not inherit the kingdom of God if they stay the way they are and keep on practicing the sin they do : The unrighteous, fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate(applied here to morals when it denotes those who give themselves up to a soft, luxurious and indolent way of living, making self-indulgence the grand object of life. They can endure no hardship and practise no self-denial in the cause of duty to God),sodomists, theives, covetous persons, drunkards, revilers (slandering others, openly or secretly, tale bearing, backbiting, spreading scandalous reports),or extortioners.
We all know that flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of God so no one who thinks that growing up a SDA, or of other denomination for that matter, will fit the bill be part of the kingdom of God at default. That is erronous works-righteousness thinking. Those that do such things like being envious, murdering, getting drunk revelling or such like will not inherit the kingdom of God either.
(The above was just a study for today,next comes the actual chapter meditation)
~~~ Joan ~~~
[This message has been edited by Joan Rügemer (edited 02-11-2001).]
Title: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Joan Rügemer on February 11, 2001, 08:38:00 AM
Chapter 55 continued....
It doesn’t seem like a day went by in the three years of Jesus’ ministry where either a Priest, Sadducee, Rabbi, hired spy or the big boys of the Pharisees themself weren’t hounding Jesus to trip Him up. This time one of the big boys came up to him demanding to know when the ‘kingdom of God’ was to come.
Spiritually speaking, from insider insight, we all know that Satan was down right franticly being active to squealch any bit of the kingdom of God getting set-up in the domain of ‘his’ kingdom on earth. The baby killings at the time of Jesus’ birth, the slander propogated behind the backs of the holy parents implying that the ‘holy circumstances’ of Mary not be so virginhaft as told, the fight to overcome Jesus through the lust of the eyes, pride of life and lust of the flesh while in the desert of temptation. Besides the whole constant Pharisee or clergy opposition time and again. Lucifer was hotly defending his territory.
Now the men in charge wanted to have an answer about the kingdom of God. How could our Lord make plausible spiritual realities to carnal minds like those of the opposition? How could he make clear to them that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” ,“the kingdom comes not with outward show” but that the “kingdom is within you”? Only the baptism by the Holy Spirit can heal such blindness and deafness of understanding. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know then, because they are spiritually discerned.”
EGW touches now on a point of great controversy among the Christian community of SDA as well as of the other denominations. The issue is : How active are Christians to be in politics with having the laws of God’s kingdom as their platform ? On this page, in this chapter, there is no example to follow from Jesus as to personal involvement in changing a corrupt and oppressive government. He had the stuff to do so but didn’t to so at that time. The crying abuses we are seeing today in our government of extortion, misuse of power, intolerance, cruelty or immorality of the staff was in Jesus’ day of ruling powers as well.
I know the American Christian Colilition is working for establishment of an earthly temporal government based on the teachings of Christ. They take it so well-meaning, believing that it is possible through legislation for getting the morals of people cleaned up. They are striving for the same which motivated the disciples with great impatience. The hope of a Christ ruling on earth. The people of today as the disciples of then (think of Judas) are trying to force the hand of the Lord before His time.
Some way or other we sure aren’t paying proper attention to the words of Jesus as he said “My kingdom is not of this world.” We are not taking Him seriously. His example showed that He attempted no civil reforms, made no campaign against national abuses, didn’t loose a word speaking bad about the national enemies, or play any terrorist games. He did not interfer with administration of those in power but kept aloof from the ruling government. Then, as well as now, Jesus wasn’t aiming to get control of courts or councils or legislative assemblies.
He knew that the remedy for the ills of bad governing of a land lie not in merely using human resources and external measures to get things cleaned up. He thought more radically than that. “To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.” “..but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit” will come in a righteous government.
Those of us who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, who have been cleansed from sin of the soul, who have been made justified by the authority of Jesus the Christ, and who are sanctified unto the Lord by the Spririt of our God know the power which was given to become the sons of God by the will of God. This godly power has regenerated our hearts to make us new creatures in Christ our Lord. WE then become ambassadors for Christ after being reconciled to God. Our main goal is now to say daily “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I , but Christ liveth in me.” THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN US!
~~~ Joan ~~~
Title: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on February 12, 2001, 05:41:00 AM
Amen, Sister Joan.
Sabbath, I heard a church member say Jesus never argued with people. I hear this often from people who seem to not want to hear what the Bible says. How could anyone say Jesus never argued? How could anyone read the gospels and make such a statement. Jesus was continually having to defend the truth. He never allowed truth to languish upon His lips. He was not a coward.
Caution is needed at this point, for many will take this as license to introduce arguments and this I don't see Jesus doing most of the time. He spoke the truth in love and did so to those that were looking for truth. This is a subject that deserves some study that we might rightly understand the example that Jesus gave.
When others come to us with an understanding of Scripture that differs with ours, do we rise up against it, or do we compare it with Scripture? Will it be said of us, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? Let us prepare our hearts that Jesus may teach us today. :)
Richard
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: JimB on March 15, 2016, 04:51:16 AM
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Maybe if more people in the church understood this there would be more time spent preaching and sharing the word rather spending time promoting current social issues.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on March 15, 2016, 07:27:01 AM
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Maybe if more people in the church understood this there would be more time spent preaching and sharing the word rather spending time promoting current social issues.
Yes, Jim. The understanding must comprehend this point: "the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart." Unless the heart is made new, holy, cleansed from sin and selfishness, the individual is still serving Satan and sin. Even if a godly Christian were elected President of the United States, that in and of itself would not change society. It is the heart that is evil by nature and must be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to make a real change in the motives of behavior.
Until we are born again of His Spirit (John 3) we can do nothing good (from the heart). Here is what Saul found out about his keeping the law on the outside: "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7:18-21, 23,24.
Only Christ can set us free from the law of sin and death which is in our flesh and keeps us in bondage to sin. It is when the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart that it is "regenerated" and then He writes His law upon it. Then we are partakers of His divine nature and escape the corruption not only in the world, but which is in our flesh. As Paul said "I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on March 15, 2016, 07:30:43 AM
The closing paragraph is so very important for the church today.
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
In whatever country we live, we see serious problems in society and in government. We long to have righteous laws and representatives. But, God's kingdom is not of this world. We stay here after we are converted that the world might know Jesus by our witness of His character. We know that in and of ourselves we cannot be a witness of Christ, for there is no good thing in us apart from God. But, if we will learn of Christ and surrender our will to His will, then He will come into our hearts and empower repentant sinners to live His life, to manifest all of the fruits of His Spirit. Then, being dead to self, I can say "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." We must maintain our connection with Christ in order to continue to witness His character to a world soon to perish. Without being partakers of His divine nature it is impossible to be His ambassadors. Fully surrendered to Him, then we will be faithful ambassadors.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on June 12, 2016, 06:04:30 AM
Many in Israel wanted the "kingdom of God" to deal with the corruption of Rome. But, the real problem was not with Rome, but with the rulers within the religion. They had perverted the gospel of grace. They were worse than Rome because they had been entrusted with the sacred oracles of God and had misrepresented the One who was to suffer and die for their sins. And, they were the ones who after Pilot had washed his hands in an attempt to show the innocence of Jesus, demanded his murder.
And, how is it today with those charged with the leadership of God's church? Has the gospel of Christ been perverted in a similar manner? It has. What are some of the errors that keep God's church in its Laodicean condition? The major effort by Satan has been to pervert the truth that we must be converted, we must be born again of His Spirit, we must become partakers of His divine nature before we can do any good thing. The "everlasting gospel" given in Genesis 3:15 has been lost sight of....or worse has been twisted to lead many to believe the whole world was justified when God spoke the words He would put enmity between Satan and the woman, between his seed and her seed. Such a lie. That covenant was the promise to write His law into our hearts IF we would accept the free Gift. If man does not make a full surrender, he is not justified and does not have eternal life. Man comes into this world in need of reconciliation with God, no matter who teaches otherwise. We need to be converted before we have life.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 12, 2016, 08:18:56 AM
And, how is it today with those charged with the leadership of God's church? Has the gospel of Christ been perverted in a similar manner? It has. What are some of the errors that keep God's church in its Laodicean condition? The major effort by Satan has been to pervert the truth that we must be converted, we must be born again of His Spirit, we must become partakers of His divine nature before we can do any good thing. The "everlasting gospel" given in Genesis 3:15 has been lost sight of....or worse has been twisted to lead many to believe the whole world was justified when God spoke the words He would put enmity between Satan and the woman, between his seed and her seed. Such a lie. That covenant was the promise to write His law into our hearts IF we would accept the free Gift. If man does not make a full surrender, he is not justified and does not have eternal life. Man comes into this world in need of reconciliation with God, no matter who teaches otherwise. We need to be converted before we have life.
Amen, Richard! We are in constant need of Jesus Christ. The evidence of a soul born again and converted, living by faith on the Son of God, is that the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life; not one will be missing.
I appreciated the gems of truth in this chapter--as we can see in the following paragraph:
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. – {DA 509.3}
As a pastor it is a blessing to be silent on political questions that cause agitation, to see how Jesus ministered to deal with the root need. Each Seventh-day Adventist Christian is to point people of all walks of life and views to the only enduring remedy: Jesus Christ abiding in the heart that is to be continually fully surrendered to Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on September 07, 2016, 07:44:26 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! The solution does not lie with government agencies. As citizens of our countries we have responsibilities and at times we need to speak up, but the real problem is the human heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 07, 2016, 08:06:44 AM
Amen!
We need the heart changed by Christ to experience God's kingdom!
Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on September 08, 2016, 05:46:15 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean!
Humanity has not changed, neither has the gospel of grace. Paul understood and points us to our continual need to be reconciled to God.
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 03, 2016, 05:21:23 AM
Amen, Richard! We need that conversion (death to self by beholding and surrendering fully to God by experiencing the loveliness of Jesus) daily! I appreciate how our chapter today showed how much was lost by the disciples not realizing all that Christ was to them. May we appreciate Jesus and keep our focus upon Him! And may we see how this is to be accomplished in our lives:
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.
We need to feed upon God's word, for it is Spirit and life to us. We need to read it and meditate upon it that we may have God's thoughts become our own by memorization, communion, and earnest prayer. Let us fill our whole heart with the words of the Bible! May we internalize what God is speaking to us today of Jesus in His word and come from our seasons of communion with Him strengthened to continue that talking to God through the whole day, that not even for a moment will we separate from our lovely Friend, Jesus! When we realize how great our need is for this experience, and we depend upon and behold Jesus constantly, we need not fear the future--we can go forth to face duty and trial upheld by the divine nature that His Spirit implants in us by a living, active faith manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Praise the Lord!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on December 03, 2016, 05:34:35 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! "The kingdom of God begins in the heart." The implanting of Christ's nature in a fallen human being is the greatest miracle God can do. Yet, so many doubt it can be done. Many argue against it. Yet, it is a reality for all will make a full surrender to Christ.
Rather than make a full surrender, giving the whole heart to God, we find many in the name of Christ participating in the political process believing that changing laws will hasten the coming of Christ. This, Jesus did not do. He followed a much different process. He wanted the hearts of those for whom He suffered and died.
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Amen! To be reconciled to God is to be born again of His Spirit. To be born again is to become a partaker of God's divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). How can this be. By following the principle revealed in 2 Cor. 3:18. It is an intellectual and a Spiritual truth that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ, for it is a promise that if we do, we will become infused with the nature of our God. Miracle of all miracles!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 28, 2017, 05:31:07 AM
Let us keep pressing onward, upward through Jesus, and by beholding the loveliness of His character, we will be enabled daily, continually by constant union and communion of the renewed heart and mind with Him (where the kingdom of God begins), that we may keep in step with the advance leading of God's Spirit.
It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time.
Let us rejoice that we are enabled through Jesus to experience His sufferings! What a privilege and weighty trust! Oh, what a glorious joy it is to glory in our tribulations as we share testimony of what He has done in our lives! I am thankful that today I am given an opportunity to testify in a 20-25 minute devotional of how Jesus has led in my life at the Michigan Conference Executive Committee meeting. God led me from being broken, depressed, and sad over losing my mom and dad, having bouts with manic-depression (bipolar) and being on drug medication to be able to have full healing of mind, and to experience the gospel of His grace as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian! I am so so so so so thankful that Jesus is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2)--and that the praise belongs to Him!
Whenever we share our experience of the grace of God, others cannot help but be blessed if they are open to the Holy Spirit's loving voice! May God be glorified in all our experiences this day--wherever He leads the way!! Truly, the kingdom of God is within you--and will be manifested in the fruits of the Spirit being seen in the life without one missing!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on February 28, 2017, 06:40:30 AM
Amen Pastor Sean! God is so very good!! It is the Holy Spirit that not only opens our minds to the truth, but as we witness for Him, He illuminates the minds of others as to the character, glory, of God. I have been praying that the Spirit will open minds at your meetings, and will continue to water the seeds planted with the leaders in the Michigan conference. Many are wanting to please God. We are thankful for the Michigan conference and your influence in it.
I too was impressed with the paragraph you shared this morning. I begin with the paragraph preceding it.
As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things. It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time.
As we daily behold the revelation of the glory of Christ in this most beautiful Book, we can't help but want to share it. We continue to pray that others will join us our daily reading. By beholding His glory, we become more and more like that which we are beholding. What a privilege!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: JimB on May 26, 2017, 05:29:57 AM
As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. They recognized the fact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being, unaided by divine agency, could comprehend. They needed the help of Him whom kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. With amazement they read and reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! how slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ! Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature. Their eyes were holden, so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity. But after they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see Him again, and to place themselves at His feet! How they wished that they might come to Him, and have Him explain the scriptures which they could not comprehend! How attentively would they listen to His words! What had Christ meant when He said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? John 16:12. How eager they were to know it all! They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality.
According to this passage, what was it that brought them into fellowship with Deity? It was studying the scriptures that testified of Christ! And today it can be the same for us. Whether we study the prophecies of the 1st coming or the 2nd they are all about Christ! Studying the prophecies concerning the 1st with lend to faith and confidence in the prophecies concerning Christ's soon 2nd return to earth. We may not know the day nor the hour but we can know that our Savior will return very soon. And if we are studying of Him from scriptures our hearts will burn with hope to share with others.
The other part I bolded I heard a pastor once say that he thought these were the saddest words in the Bible. How much further along in our understandings would we be if the disciples had been ready to hear what Christ wanted to share with them. I think sometimes we look back at the mistakes of the disciples and are tempted to think we wouldn't be like them but I'm sure there are times for me personally that Christ wished He could reveal to me but couldn't because of my dull mind. It's a sad thought actually but just like He didn't give up on the disciples He doesn't give up on me or you. The more read about His life the more we will be like Him!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 26, 2017, 07:12:01 AM
Amen, Jim! By reading Christ's words and applying them to our lives, as we daily spend this "thoughtful hour" with Him, we come to more fully understand His character and reflect His loveliness to others! May we ever be taught of His Spirit so we can receive and then give what we have received. May we build up the spiritual kingdom and keep our focus on Christ!
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Let us live to make others happy in the knowledge of Jesus, and to come near people as did Christ to benefit them, that their hearts may be softened to receive light from heaven!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on May 26, 2017, 08:20:38 AM
Amen Jim and Pastor Sean! Oh how much we miss by not believing with the whole heart that Jesus is either in the heart or standing at the door knocking. He is just as real today as He was when He could not reveal what He wanted to to His disciples. He longs to open our minds to the great blessing He offers.
Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding!
Yes, as Jim said, our minds have been dulled by sin, the sin of those before us and our own. But, God has given so much light that will clear the mind and open our eyes to His presence, and our continual need of Him. What a blessing to be in harmony with my brothers who are wanting this experience. We pray for others to read along with us....and by beholding become transformed in our very nature! Minds have so dulled that few understand the power of grace to truly make us partakers of God's divine nature.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind.
It was the same power that worked through Jesus. He had a dual nature.
Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature. Their eyes were holden, so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity.
He was God and He was man. We are not God, but we may partake of His nature, thus we too may have a dual nature. We retain our fallen nature until the second coming. But, there is no excuse for sin when we have the Holy Spirit abiding in the heart. He empowers us to keep the law of God despite our fallen flesh. As Paul taught. We keep the body (flesh) under that we be not castaways. "But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on August 21, 2017, 05:55:13 AM
What does it mean to be a Christian? What is conversion? It is a radical transformation of character that comes when the heart is fully given to Christ and the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart. The old man is dead.
As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things. It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time. The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 21, 2017, 07:21:40 AM
Amen, Richard!!
When we realize how we are to experience a transformation of character by having a full-heart surrender to God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we will appreciate true piety, true godliness, a way of life that is a continual expression of the self-sacrificing love of God in Christ, who gave all heaven in Christ to save us! How can we settle for less than to give all to Him who gave all for us?
"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle 'against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time." {The Desire of Ages, page 508, paragraph 4}
Let us renounce a Laodicean "world-loving and compromising Christianity," for by compromise with one known sin, we separate from God (see Isaiah 59:2) and come under condemnation (because sin leads to death). The Scripture shows clearly that such is not a true conversion, because supreme love for God cannot allow for the love of the world on the throne of the same heart. We either love Jesus supremely and our neighbor as ourselves because we have beheld His loveliness and surrendered all to Him, or we are unconverted and still overcome by unbelief. May we not be of those who love the world, but those who do God's will and abide forever because we discern the excellency of the spiritual nature of the kingdom of God that does not come with outward show.
1 John 2:15-17 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on August 21, 2017, 07:47:58 AM
How true Richard. Even those who seem to be born with such a loving, even temperament who put many professed Christians to shame, will show a miraculous transformation when converted.
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Gal. 2:20. They will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2Cor. 5:20
Scripture is so clear on the kingdom of God and what it is and how it works but minds are so dull. Man has a better way. Just like the disciples who although they ate, walked and talked with Jesus did not fully understand what Jesus was telling them because of the preconceived ideas of the Messiah's mission when He came. But oh! after Jesus left and their eyes were opened what regrets they had for not paying better attention to what He was telling them.
I don't want to have a dull mind. I don't want to have regrets down the road because I was clinging to my own ideas of what Christ is telling me in His word. I want to be like Paul who everyday was crucified with Christ and was able to say, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Cor.2:2
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on August 22, 2017, 04:24:14 AM
Amen!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: JimB on November 16, 2017, 05:27:14 AM
Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming.
Hearing and reading Christ and and Him crucified will reach and touch the hearts and then people will demonstrate (show) their character and love for their fellow human beings. Is it any wonder that Christ did not start His career by campaigning for some issue of social justice? It would have no good without heart change first. No wonder we were given the following counsel.
1 John 2:15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 16, 2017, 05:30:45 AM
Amen, Jim! Jesus did not dedicate His short pilgrimage on earth to changing worldly governments when the people were lost in sin and failed to see their need of heart change. Yet as souls were converted, the light and salt of true Christians would inevitably be a witness in those places. What a simple truth that shows us where we need to labor--for the conversion of souls to Christ, that their lives and characters may be transformed to reveal all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--as this is the evidence that the kingdom of God has begun in the soul!
Jesus loves us and desires to establish His kingdom of grace in our hearts. As we behold the loveliness of Jesus and come into fellowship with Him, His love melts our hearts and motivates us to make a full surrender to Him, so that our fleshly, evil nature is crucified and we have the joy of becoming partakers of the "divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).
May we realize where God's kingdom really is today:
Luke 17:20-22 "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it."
Christ establishes His kingdom in hearts on an individual basis. We cannot pass a good enough law in any country that can MAKE a person be a true, converted Christian. We must come to Christ as we are, and recognize that the way the gospel was proclaimed in Christ's day--healing, teaching, and preaching--is how it is to go forth today. Jesus did not try to force the Romans to accept Him, but He did receive the Roman centurion who had faith in Him! Jesus works with each of us in a personal way. I am so thankful that His kingdom is big enough for each of us, but too narrow to allow the selfish principles of the world to be merged into it. Heaven begins in our souls when we surrender fully to Christ, and that experience of heaven is continued as we enjoy a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. Look to Him and live!
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.' 2 Corinthians 5:20." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph 2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on November 16, 2017, 06:59:37 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! If we will learn of Him who gave all for us, we shall love Him. And, if we love Him supremely, then the kingdom of God is within because He is within.
Amen, Jim! It was heartwork with Christ, so it will be with us. Before we plant seed in the garden, we must work the ground. Before we share Bible doctrine, we need to live Bible doctrine and do as did Christ, minister to the needs of the people that their hearts might be made soft.
But, the church remains on this Earth, when Jesus wanted to come years ago. What is the problem? Look at Israel and we will see what is the problem. We, like them, have been deceived. Even the disciples were blind to their dullness of mind. Deceptions abound today as they did then. Our eyes our blinded to the loveliness of Jesus and the truths He has entrusted to His people.
A herald had been sent from God to proclaim the coming of Christ, and to call the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to His mission, that men might prepare for His reception. The wonderful personage whom John had announced had been among them for more than thirty years, and they had not really known Him as the One sent from God. Remorse took hold of the disciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven their opinions and becloud their understanding. The Light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they had failed to comprehend whence were its beams. They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made it necessary for Christ to reprove them. They often repeated His conversations, and said, Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding!
So too, has a herald been sent in our day to proclaim the coming of Christ that we might prepare a people for the soon coming of Jesus. At last the light is getting through. Look at our little group here who long to see a more clear revelation of our Lord! Jesus is coming soon. There are others around the world who are studying the life and teachings of Jesus. And, by beholding Him we are being prepared for His soon coming!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on February 11, 2018, 07:11:02 AM
There are so many precious thoughts to comment on but this paragraph stood out to me this morning.
"The days will come," He said, turning to His disciples, "when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it." Because it is not attended by worldly pomp, you are in danger of failing to discern the glory of My mission. You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God. Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission."
Is selfishness and earthliness keeping us from comprehending the spiritual glory that Jesus wants to reveal to us through the Holy Spirit? If we are not spending time each day in God's word where will we turn when our bibles are taken from us? We are living in serious times. Probation is about to close. We have to live in this world until Jesus comes but we are not to be part of it. Do we know what that means? We don't need to learn these lessons the hard way. We have the bible and Spirit of Prophecy to help us learn from the mistakes of others so that we do not repeat them. We are given counsel that covers every aspect of our lives. May God help us to open our eyes, ears and hearts and make Him our personal Friend and Saviour so that we will not come to a time of fateful regret. In my work and in my play I am impressed with the urgency of my need for continual surrender to Jesus. Today is my day of salvation.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on February 11, 2018, 07:56:06 AM
Amen dear sister!Even as much time as we spend with Jesus, we still live in these vile bodies of evil flesh. There is no excuse for sin, but even in a converted state, we are not what we ought to be. We have not done that which we ought to have done. Like Daniel if Jesus were to appear, we would fall flat on our faces. The day is soon coming, when there will be no more Mediator. Are we working toward that end? Not like we ought to be. May God help us to spend more time in our Bibles, and more time in prayer.
I was impressed with the importance of this truth:
Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming.
Jesus told a Laodicean church leader that he was in a lost state and would not enter heaven unless he was born again of the Spirit. What happens when we are born of the Spirit? He takes possession of the heart. He cleanses it. He writes God's law upon the heart. He is empowered to keep the law, to be obedient to all that he understands. It was heartwork with Christ and so it is with us. We need to have a perfect heart in order to do any good thing. "The kingdom of God begins in the heart." If we do not give Jesus the whole heart, then the Spirit will not come into it. And if we have not His Spirit, we are none of His (Romans 8:9).
As our sister has shared, today is the day of salvation. Today, we can give the whole heart to Christ. If we cannot, then let us pray what I do every day, "Lord take my heart for I can't give it. I believe, take away my wretched unbelief that I may know of your presence and the presence of Holy angels. Give me the Holy Spirit that I might see Jesus as I study to know you." Jesus always answers this prayer!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 11, 2018, 10:44:52 AM
Amen dear sister Dorine and brother Richard! As we pray for Jesus to do a work in us that we so desperately need, let us continue to praise Him for how He answers exceedingly above all we can ask or think!
May it be our prayer that we allow Jesus to lead us moment-by-moment in the experience of the kingdom of God, the experience of being aware of His presence in the heart by the Holy Spirit as long as we are fully surrendered to Him and living up the light of His law that He has revealed to us. As we behold the loveliness of Jesus, we will see more fully what we ought to be, and we will be transformed more and more. May we not make things more difficult for ourselves and others by failing to take hold of the truth of Jesus' words for us today.
"A herald had been sent from God to proclaim the coming of Christ, and to call the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to His mission, that men might prepare for His reception. The wonderful personage whom John had announced had been among them for more than thirty years, and they had not really known Him as the One sent from God. Remorse took hold of the disciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven their opinions and becloud their understanding. The Light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they had failed to comprehend whence were its beams. They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made it necessary for Christ to reprove them. They often repeated His conversations, and said, Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding!" {The Desire of Ages, page 508, paragraph 1}
Let us not pursue a course that makes Jesus sad, but rather one that makes Him glad--like choosing each day to spend a thoughtful hour with Him in beholding His character and life, and letting our lives become more and more clearly the revelation of His loveliness to those around us. He delights to reveal His beauty in the humble and teachable in heart. He will teach you and me today how to more like Him. Praise God!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: JimB on May 09, 2018, 05:27:46 AM
As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. They recognized the fact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being, unaided by divine agency, could comprehend. They needed the help of Him whom kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. With amazement they read and reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! how slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ!
This reminds me of a friend who recently was made aware of the blessings that come from understanding the prophecies surrounding the 2nd Coming of Christ. He is now studying the books of Daniel of Revelation as he never has before. He said that he didn't understand really how important they were.
Revelation 1:1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. {TM 114.3}
The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” {TM 114.4}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on May 09, 2018, 06:54:27 AM
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
This paragraph paints such a vivid picture of what Christ has called me to be. An ambassador for Him. When we understand the obligations of an ambassador we will have an altogether different appreciation of our calling.
Ambassador: The highest-ranking person who represents his or her own government while living in another country.
We represent the highest government there is; the government of heaven. We are residing in a foreign country to bring the good news of salvation to those that are lost and with the ministry of reconciling the world to God. It's not a position of outward show but a position of humility. By daily abiding in Christ all the fruits of the Spirit will be manifested. What a calling!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on May 09, 2018, 07:17:35 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine! We have a home far beyond the sun. The only thing we can take with us is our character and those we bring to Christ. Our labor here on Earth is to be witnesses of the power and love of Jesus that transforms the life. Jesus brings love, joy, and peace to all who will learn of Him. It is the heart that Jesus changes. It is the hard sinful heart that He wants to subdue. When we surrender it to Him, He will cleanse it whiter than snow. What a miracle! What an opportunity for fallen humanity!!
The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14.
The world prizes outward show. The Pharisees were "whited sepulchers." They were outwardly white as snow, but inside the heart was putrid and rotten. If we will spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the character of Jesus, His grace will not only save us, but change us into His image by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
This reminds me of a friend who recently was made aware of the blessings that come from understanding the prophecies surrounding the 2nd Coming of Christ. He is now studying the books of Daniel of Revelation as he never has before. He said that he didn't understand really how important they were.
Amen Jim. Revelation reveals much about God and the plan of salvation. It also reveals history, the present, and the future! It and Daniel are amazing Books!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 09, 2018, 07:43:07 AM
Sin is the problem; Jesus is the answer. May we uplift Jesus in word and deed today, and know that there are souls who will respond to the kingdom of God that begins in the soul, to the restoring power of the Holy Spirit who is able to subdue us to Himself and make us like Christ in mind and character.
"When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, 'I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.' 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, 'But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' 'I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.' 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph 1}
Jesus can wash us so that our thoughts and feelings combined, which make up our moral character, can be in subjection to His Holy Spirit. We may at times be tempted with disagreeable thoughts or feelings, but temptation is not sin. We do not have to yield to the suggestions of the enemy or the pull of our fallen nature. We can, by beholding the loveliness of Jesus, have Him work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and rejoicing that what He has begun in us, He will finish! Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on August 04, 2018, 04:51:39 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
What a privilege God has given to each one that receives Him. When He has our heart He will do mighty things for us and use us to bless others. I want to appreciate the opportunities and blessings God has put at my disposal. Not just appreciate them but to put them to full use as God and I work together to show the world that we are His in word and actions. Blessing to all on this Sabbath day.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on August 04, 2018, 01:14:10 PM
Blessings to you, dear Sister Dorine! Amen! When we receive Christ into our hearts, we cannot fail no matter what happens in our lives. Such a truth!!
I am continually amazed as we read the truth about the transforming power of grace. It is made so simple in these pages. How can church members not understand what it means to be a converted Christian? Spiritual things are truly spiritually discerned. Like the disciples in Christ's day, many are influenced by the "unbelief" surrounding us in God's church. Change is coming, and has already begun!
The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time. The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 04, 2018, 06:09:14 PM
Amen, Richard and Dorine! Happy Sabbath!
Do you understand spiritual things to the point that you have chosen to respond to Christ's redeeming love in complete surrender of your heart, mind, and will to Him? If so, this is a supernatural miracle with which you cooperated. This change of heart, even the new birth, did not take place in your life without His divine grace drawing you to Himself. We cannot discern Christ's glorious character unless the Holy Spirit, bringing the creative word of God to bear upon our hearts, reveals Him to us. As we behold Christ in His exceeding loveliness, we are transformed in mind and character. Out thoughts and aspirations are elevated--for we have found in Him the reason for our creation and existence. We were created to know and love God, and give glory to Him!
"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle 'against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time." {The Desire of Ages, page 508, paragraph 4}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 30, 2018, 02:44:41 AM
I love the emphasis in The Desire of Ages, and how we see Jesus lifted higher and higher. To have a true message to share, we must individually and personally know Christ by a full surrender. "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Through a full surrender, the heart is renewed by divine grace so all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing are seen in the renewed life. This is contrast with the former identity in the flesh corrupted by some of the most degrading sins: "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Let us walk in the Spirit, even the new kingdom filled with Christ's self-sacrificing love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on October 30, 2018, 06:08:22 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. God's grace is sufficient for what ever comes upon us. It is the power that transforms our character. It regenerates the heart, but not the flesh. It is the Holy Spirit that takes possession of the heart. Again we read of the power that is available to all sinners. Both Paul and Ellen White want us to know of the grace of God.
In our Sabbath School lessons we have been looking at the term "in Christ" which has been perverted in the church to allow many to believe they are in Christ when they are not. Today we read that in Christ we are washed clean, we are sanctified and justified by the Spirit. God wants us to know about the religion we have professed to believe in. Daily we are being taught what it means to be "in Christ." Jesus says "Abide in me and I in you."
"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." John 15:3-8.
I labored with a pastor for years who did not believe we could be sanctified but were always in the process of being sanctified. In other words he did not believe we could be cleansed from sin. Yet, in today's reading we see otherwise. Man can be transformed at conversion.
"To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
It is the heart that is made new, cleansed as white as snow.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 25, 2019, 06:51:20 AM
Share what God has done in your life; give a living testimony of what God's grace has done for you! But do not be discouraged when others do not understand or accept your message. Jesus' ministry testifies to the victorious power of persevering in His mission amid disciples who often did not grasp the depth of His lessons and purpose to come to this world from heaven to die as our Sacrifice. As the Holy Spirit comes to deeply imbue your heart as you yield fully to Jesus, know that He is able to transform your life in ways that exceed your highest expectations, and to move you into ministry in ways that will bring hope and healing to others. Let us plead for the illumination of the Holy Spirit, for without Him, we do not understand spiritual things, and we are liable to fail of appreciating the incredible gift of Jesus to our dark speck of a world!
"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle 'against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time." {The Desire of Ages, page 508, paragraph 4}
Let us not ask how little we may do for Christ, but by beholding His loveliness of character, He catapults us into the ways of toil, humiliation, and reproach which is a delight for His sake! After the Holy Spirit was poured out, how did the disciples look at suffering for Jesus? "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name" (Acts 5:41). If we are truly converted, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be in our lives without one missing, continually increasing in maturity and depth, so that our desire and capacity to suffer for Christ grows to the point where Christ can safely bring His people through the time of trouble such as never was. We may safely trust in Christ who is able to keep us from falling--not at a later time, but moment-by-moment TODAY as we remain abiding in Him! Praise the Lord!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on January 25, 2019, 09:07:31 AM
"Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book."
This is the experience of the truly converted Christian. When we invite the Holy Spirit each day into our hearts and lives we will have new revelations and appreciation of the mission and character of Jesus. We will not take our eyes off of Jesus because we realize who He is. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords; Our Saviour, Redeemer and Friend. We will not sleep when we should be awake. We will trust Him with our whole heart. The bible will become a treasure house of spiritual gems that will deepen our understanding and anchor us in truth. Then as the disciples were able to rejoice when brought to trying times and even prison and death; their experiences as well as others throughout history will give us the courage to trust Jesus fully and to bring us through whatever today and tomorrow holds for us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on January 25, 2019, 10:21:03 AM
"Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.... The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart."
Real change comes only from a Real Change in the Heart and that is only possible when we surrender fully to Jesus.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. "
Enforced laws of any government regarding religion cannot produce an in-ward change of heart or character!
" Now,as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20"
What an awesomely high honor it is to think that we have the opportunity of being an Ambassador for the King of Kings, The Lord of Lords. Our Saviour -- Jesus Christ. Let us adopt the motto, " Not I But Christ " and with humility go forth to share the glad tidings both by His Word and Living Example where ever we are planted.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on January 25, 2019, 08:08:44 PM
Amen Brother Beacon! I often share this truth with many who think they need to become overly concerned and involved in the politics of this world. ".... the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart." Therefore Jesus did not involve Himself with the politics of cruel Rome.
Amen, Sister Dorine! The closer we get to Jesus the more we realize what a precious Gift He is.
Amen Pastor Sean. Like with the disciples we do not half appreciate that God is with us. When we by God's grace finally enter heaven, when we shall realize that we did not take advantage of all the opportunities we are now given, we will fall on our knees and ask God to forgive us. It is not too late to wake up and pray for wisdom to know just what to do.
You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God. Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on April 21, 2019, 08:02:17 PM
"The Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. " [/b]
God's counsel to us is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."Matthew 6:33 & Jesus says..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Then we will be empowered to be useful servants of our Lord and become efficient laborers in His harvest field.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 22, 2019, 05:56:43 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!
The kingdom that Christ offers us is one that renews our hearts and minds by the converting power of His grace. As we yield fully to Christ, the unseen glory of His character renews so that He spontaneously produces in us love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith and temperance--without one of these traits of His divine nature missing!
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 1 Corinthians 2:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 1}
Yet we are called to be in this world as lights that reveal the power of His sanctifying word. Jesus prayed shortly before He died on the cross: "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:14-17). May we walk in harmony with Jesus so His prayer may be answered in each of our lives!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on April 22, 2019, 06:48:07 AM
Amen Pastor Sean! By beholding Jesus we are changed into His image from glory unto glory. Thy Word is truth. The Word is a revelation of Christ. And if we have seen Christ, we have seen the Father!
God's counsel to us is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."Matthew 6:33 & Jesus says..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Then we will be empowered to be useful servants of our Lord and become efficient laborers in His harvest field.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit."[/b]
Amen Brother Beacon! What does it mean to be converted? It is to be filled with the Spirit who is Christ's representative. When He has possession of the heart, we are partakers of His divine nature. We then have a dual nature. We still live in these vile bodies of fallen flesh, but when Christ's nature is "implanted" in us, we are in a converted state and kingdom of God is within us. How dim are our eyes and understanding. How often do we forget that Jesus wants to live inside of us, in the heart!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Marelis on April 22, 2019, 12:40:21 PM
What a lovely chapter and food for thought. What was impressed upon me is that I must cherish the available time I have today, each and every day, to walk and talk with the Lord while He is near. Thank you.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on April 22, 2019, 01:17:01 PM
Amen, Marelis! This is my thought also. We are forgetful that Jesus is with us. When I thank Him for helping me, the Spirit reminds me that I did not ask for help. How shameful! I am a slow learner. :( But, Jesus does not forget me. :)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on July 17, 2019, 04:32:57 PM
"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity.Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time."
Jesus said in John 15:4-5..."4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." [/u]
Are You, Am I, Are "we" beginning each day with a prayer of total surrender to Jesus asking for a fresh daily supply of Holy Spirit Guidance & Power? Jesus wants to " abide in us " He wants to be our strength, purpose and joy while living in this sin sick world. How can anyone resist or ignore this invitation and think that on our own power we can be effective witnesses for our master? Daniel was a great example of total commitment to God - He prayed at least 3 times a day and look what God accomplished through him!! [/color][/b]
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on July 18, 2019, 08:45:45 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
We may read this over and over. We may talk of it over and over but until we assimilate it into our very being through the Holy Spirit it will not accomplish it's work. We will be of non effect for God for if we are not completely for Him we will be against Him.
I like what Paul says for it shows that no matter how low we have fallen there is hope if we just believe and surrender, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of God.
"Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Cor: 6:11; 1:4
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 18, 2019, 08:53:27 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!
If we truly desire to see the glory of God, we shall see it in beholding the humble, self-sacrificing life of Jesus. He invites us to lay aside the heavy burdens of self and sin and partake of the divine nature, abiding in Him as the source of true happiness and the only One who can make us true witnesses of His kingdom and character!
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 1 Corinthians 2:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 1}
May we be wiling to be thought fools in the eyes of the world that we may be wise in the estimation of heaven!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on October 10, 2019, 04:29:32 PM
"Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14."
Enforced laws of any government regarding religion cannot produce an in-ward change of heart or character! Real change comes only from a Real Change in the Heart and that is only possible when we surrender fully to Jesus.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. "
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 11, 2019, 02:58:39 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon!
What a blessing that God's kingdom can dispense with outward show, because it is really about the transformation of our character to become like Christ. As we learn of the loveliness' of Jesus' character, we become like Him and His Spirit is manifested through us!
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 1 Corinthians 2:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 1}
May we yield fully, continually to the self-sacrificing love of Christ to work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on January 04, 2020, 11:30:04 AM
====================================================================================== Quote From Pastor Sean....That touched my heart....and is so very relevant. "Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.' 2 Corinthians 5:20." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph[/b][/font][/size] 2 =======================================================================================
"He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart."
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
"Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. Real change comes only from a Real Change in the Heart and that is only possible when we surrender fully to Jesus."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 05, 2020, 05:37:36 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!
Heaven begins in our hearts, and as we yield fully to Christ, He transforms our nature and fills us with all the fruits of the Spirit so not one is missing!
Let’s experience the gospel of God’s kingdom in our hearts!!
“The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. ‘The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.’ 1 Corinthians 2:14.” {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 1}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on January 05, 2020, 10:14:49 PM
"He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart."
Amen dear Brother Beacon! God wants the heart, the whole heart. The only cure for the sin sick heart is God's grace. What were the disciples thinking for 3 1/2 years? They had a lot of "unbelief" and while they loved Jesus, they were not settled in to the truth so they could not be moved that He was the Son of God. How is it with us? Do we have unbelief, even though we love Jesus? Do we love Him with all we have and all we are? That is the all important question.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on April 01, 2020, 05:34:53 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
May God open our blind eyes and revive our dull minds that we may truly comprehend what the disciples failed to appreciate. Christ is as much in our midst today and even more through the work of the Holy Spirit as when He walked the earth. We become the children of God only as we receive Him into our hearts and minds. The fruit of the Spirit will be plainly seen and we will be men and women that God will use to finish His work. Praise God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on April 01, 2020, 06:33:20 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit.
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. "
Enforced laws of any government regarding religion cannot produce an in-ward change of heart or character! Real change comes only from a Real Change in the Heart and that is only possible when we surrender fully to Jesus.The BIG question is--Are We Willing to FULLY SURRENDER?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on April 01, 2020, 07:09:04 AM
Amen Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine! How many today do not understand that we need Jesus, we need to be partakers of His divine nature in order to do any good thing. Self must be crucified daily, continually in order to have spiritual life.
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 01, 2020, 09:46:21 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Beacon, and Brother Richard!!
What a Savior we have who offers us the true solution to our sin-polluted hearts that must be cleansed and made new by His blood and imbued fully with the Holy Spirit as we behold Him and surrender unreservedly to Him! Oh, let us lift high the cross of Christ in this time in earth's history when all need a fresh revelation of His character--lived in humanity as all of the fruits of the Spirit (not one missing) are seen in the life of each truly converted soul!
"When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, 'I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.' 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, 'But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' 'I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.' 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph 1}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 27, 2020, 03:31:29 AM
It's a big setup. Everything we are going through is pre-planned. Really? Yes! God foresaw your EXACT location, experience, family, trials, struggles, and sins and has COMPLETE POWER to save you, heal you, restore you, and bless you beyond what you can ask or think! The kingdom of God as established in Eden was a threefold union of the family, the school, and the church, and God is reestablishing this pure, holy kingdom in the family as each home becomes a place where Jesus will abide. Jesus' family was blessed by His presence, and we can know that we are part of His family as we surrender to Him and respond to His final Elijah message that unites the hearts of EVERY MEMBER of the family in love because Jesus is COMING SO SO SOON!!
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6). What does this kingdom look like in actual practice? It looks like husbands sacrificially loving their wives even if their wives have disrespected them or hurt them; it looks like wives respecting their husbands and being the grave of their husband's faults (meaning they pray for their husbands rather than accuse them with faultfinding); it looks like children loving their father and mother, and being an example to them by looking always to the perfect Example, Jesus. Many will say, "I have had a bad example." If you want to say that, then you will inevitably drift lower in the moral scale of worth, for by beholding we become changed. We can look at our fallen human parents and families, or we can look upon Jesus and let Him be the Example and Head of the family. Then we will be HOME MISSIONARIES on a prophetic mission to bind EVERY HEART to Christ and to exert a saving, sanctifying influence. The kingdom of God looks like future homes being established on the high, noble principles of purity, simplicity, and godliness with a resolute purpose to do the will of God and train their family for heaven. When we truly believe that Jesus is coming soon, it will truly begin in our hearts that we surrender FULLY to Christ so He can cleanse us from every stain of sin, imbue us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, and lead us to affectionately obey the law of God (the Ten Commandments) with a love that deepens and widens forever!!
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 1 Corinthians 2:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 1}
Let us allow God's kingdom to start right where it needs to today--in my heart, your heart, then in the family, then the church, then the community, then the state or country, the continent, and then THE WHOLE WORLD!! The whole world will be lightened with His glory, and the glory of God is seen in His selfless giving of His Son to save us from our sins!! Oh, how I love Jesus!! O, what wondrous love is this!! Will you behold Jesus, look away from self and the faults of others, and look to Him who alone can sanctify and cleanse His people to make them all He ordains them to be? I pray you will join me in this incredible privilege of being a missionary WHEREVER you are today and each day!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on June 27, 2020, 06:47:00 AM
"The Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. "
God's counsel to us is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."Matthew 6:33 & Jesus says..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Then we will be empowered to be useful servants of our Lord and become efficient laborers in His harvest field.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
"Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind, and the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on June 27, 2020, 07:30:53 AM
It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam.The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book.
Every time I read this chapter I am convicted of the danger that exists in thinking we know Jesus when in reality we may be far from Him. The talk and even the works do not prove you are a follower of Christ. It's where our heart is that makes the difference. When we hunger and thirst for truth and the righteousness of Christ all selfishness will be put away. A new character will be formed in us and be revealed through the fruit of the Spirit. If I have true love in my heart that comes only from God, He will give me joy that will radiate from us. He will give me a peace that passes all understanding. He will give me patience in all things, gentleness, goodness, and He will increase my faith as I yield to His leading. Not only will others see a difference but we also will know that God is working in our lives for what we once loved we now hate and what we once hated we now love. This is the work of God in our surrendered lives and as we cooperate with Him. It truly is a joy to know and follow Jesus.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on September 22, 2020, 06:12:32 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit..
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
"Here is the "only power" that can work the uplifting of mankind, and the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
I am reminded this morning of the words of this song and it is my prayer for all of us not only for today but for every day... - ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER ALL TO HIM I FREELY GIVE...
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on September 22, 2020, 07:07:50 AM
Amen Brother Beacon!! My heart was moved by the same truth this morning. Today, we see corruption all around us, even in His church where "another" gospel or even many "other" gospels are spread wide. What are we to do with the corruption of politicians? What did Jesus do with the corruption in Rome which governed Israel? Nothing. Then we ought to do the same. Then what are we to do? We are to take the gospel, the true gospel, Christ and Him crucified to the world, but first to the church.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.
How many times have you heard from the pulpit or in videos, books, or Bible studies that God wants to implant in evil man Christ's nature? I have never seen not heard this except in reading Desire of Ages for the last 35 years. You can imagine how painful it is to listen to sermons that don't believe that God does indeed plant Christ's nature in all who will surrender the "whole" heart to Him who gave all that we might be transformed in character. The wind has been blowing in every direction in God''s church bringing in heresies of every kind. Our people are blind to this, but change is coming. God is pouring out His Spirit on His church and on all who are seeking truth in the world. Revival and reformation is promised to His people. "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you." Ezekiel 36:25. And again in Ezekiel 37. "So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel." Verses 10,11. These promises were never fulfilled in Israel of Old, but they remain for modern day Israel. The shaking in the church will come when God breathes His Spirit upon the church and the Laodicean message is given as a rebuke and a promise. Not all will be saved, but a multitude will be converted and take the last message of warning to a world soon to perish.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 22, 2020, 07:20:15 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!
God is building His kingdom upon the eternal foundation of His word. Let us yield fully to the Jesus in His infinite loveliness, for by His creative word the Holy Spirit has power to recreate our hearts and minds and imbue us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--even amid the most difficult earthly situations!
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.' 2 Corinthians 5:20." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph 2}
As we abide in Christ we can be ambassadors of the world to come while still in this dark speck of a world. We may not realize we are changing other people's lives, but by our consistent choice to yield to Christ, others also may realize that this is where true happiness is found, for happiness is the result of holiness!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on December 18, 2020, 06:17:23 AM
"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time."
I used to think this was talking about our experience outside the church but I have found that this describes exactly what is happening inside the church. There is much more opposition to encounter from within the church than without because those in the church that do not know God are uncomfortable in the presence of truth and holiness.
If we have joined the church thinking it's full of perfect people we will not stay long. We must recognize that Satan is angry with the remnant church and He targets God's people in every way possible. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit we will stand as the disciples; unmovable because like the disciples our eyes are focused on Jesus and His word.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 18, 2020, 08:10:14 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine! The church is full of people who need healing and transformation continually! We can do no good thing apart from a living connection with Jesus!!
The world is becoming more corrupt, but the gospel of the grace of God is still the only lasting solution to change hearts and lives. We can look around us and know that the things Jesus said would transpire before He returns are happening, but thankfully, there has never been a better time to uplift Jesus and share that as we behold Him and yield unreservedly to Him with the whole heart and mind, He blots out our sins by His atoning blood, fills us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, and then lives out His life in us in complete obedience! Let us look keep looking higher and higher as the coming of Christ is SO SOON!
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.' 2 Corinthians 5:20." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph 2}
An ambassador is someone who lives in another land representing another. We are representatives of heaven, and as such are to keep our identity clear and district. We represent Jesus who promises to prepare a place for us. Though we are strangers and pilgrims in this short earthly life, we can be thankful that He is willing to work in and through us and appeal to the hearts of those around us to be adopted into His kingdom by a true heart conversion! Let us be faithful by abiding in Him today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on December 18, 2020, 08:57:31 AM
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit.
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God,even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind,..
..And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. "
So the BIG QUESTION for today is.... Are "WE" Practicing and Teaching the Word of God? We must also remember that the world doesn't care about how much you know UNTIL they know how much you care. Let us earnestly pray and ask God to help us be all that He Wants & Needs us to be in a world that is soon to pass away!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on March 15, 2021, 04:28:47 AM
Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them.
There is here help in understanding that there is a difference between selfishness and earthliness. Why ought we understand? Because after probation closes the heat is turned up. Jesus has His hand on the thermostat. He will not allow the precious gold to be consumed, but it will be more perfectly reflecting the character of Jesus. Character perfection involves strength of character and a better understanding of Truth. The earthliness must be removed.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 15, 2021, 04:37:36 AM
Amen, Brother Richard! Selfishness must be cleansed by the blood of Christ, but the earthliness is refined through the trying fires that God allows for our good! Those who live through the time of trouble will experience this promise in the fullest sense:
"Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected." {The Great Controversy, page 621, paragraph 1}
How does God establish His kingdom?
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. 'As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.' John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 4}
When the whole heart is yielded to Christ in true confession, by virtue of His atoning blood, He gives each repentant sinner a new heart and a new mind filled with all of the fruits of the Spirit so not one is missing, making the child of God a partaker of the divine nature through receiving the promises of God! Then happy obedience to the Ten Commandments is the ready response of one who is truly a "new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17). May this be your experience today and each moment of the day in constant union and communion with Christ!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on March 15, 2021, 05:48:05 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. Thank you for sharing that statement of truth that is the companion to what I shared. And, yes, we need to understand first how to be born of the Spirit, not of the flesh. For it is only those who are abiding in Christ and the Holy Spirit is in them that will receive the Latter Rain, the outpouring of the Spirit in preparation for translation. That day is fast approaching and the last steps will be rapid ones.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on March 15, 2021, 06:13:33 AM
"As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41.
Only those who have been spending time with Jesus every day getting to know Him and living for Him will be prepared to stand for their faith. Are we willing to suffer shame for His name sake? If we do not know from experience the saving power of Christ we will never stand amidst the cruel treatment of men.
On the other hand what about standing for Jesus when times are good such as we still have. Are we concerned about what people think when we offer a blessing on our food when in public? do we laugh at sinful jokes because we don't want to seem odd or fanatical? It's these many 'little' things that add up to determine our characters and where we really stand. Do we honour Jesus in all things or bring shame upon His name?
"They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on March 15, 2021, 07:09:30 AM
"The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures."
"To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart."
As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.' John 1:12, 13.
Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
I pray that we "ALL" may recognize our great need for total surrender and the total infilling of the Holy Spirit for Jesus said in John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing".
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Philip T on March 15, 2021, 08:05:42 AM
The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14.
The simple truth that the world and and the Kingdom of God cannot exist together, is here stated. There is no middle road, either we are in the kingdom of this world, or the Kingdom of God. they are antagonist one to the other. As I read this chapter I found hope and promise, that God suffers long, that if after three and a half years of walking and speaking with the Son of God in human form they still struggled with this, there is hope for me in my path of Sanctification, as every day I think I have surrendered all to him I grow through the scriptures and find another thing to surrender to Him. Only by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct, speak, and live within us can we place the Kingdom of God in our inward body(hearts) can we be ready when He returns in the Clouds of Glory.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on June 10, 2021, 06:53:24 AM
"The Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures.
To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart."
God's counsel to us is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."Matthew 6:33 & Jesus says..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
"Then" we will be empowered to be useful servants of our Lord and become efficient laborers in His harvest field."
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit.
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
"Here is the "ONLY" power that can work the uplifting of mankind, and the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
My prayer for today is that our God through the power of the Holy Spirit will grant us a stronger desire to make a " FULL SURRENDER " of self! I invite you to join with me in prayer at the foot of the cross. Jesus says in....
Revelation 3:19-21 " As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on June 10, 2021, 01:14:07 PM
Amen Brother Beacon!! For many it will seem a heresy to say that we may possess the nature of God. But, the Bible clearly spells it out, and so does the Spirit of Prophecy. Thank you for sharing this important truth. It is why there is not excuse for sin. When we become partakers of God's divine nature, we are empowered to keep His laws, all of them we understand.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Brother Beacon shared:
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit.
From Scripture: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on September 04, 2021, 08:02:04 PM
The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries.
"Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire.
"God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected."
We must remember the words of David as recorded in Ps.23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
Are "WE" willing to put our full Faith and Trust in Jesus... If so...Then let's sing this song of re-commitment to Jesus.
Take my life, and let it be 1 Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise, Let them flow in ceaseless praise. 2 Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love; Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee, Swift and beautiful for Thee. 3 Take my voice, and let me sing Always, only, for my King; Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from Thee, Filled with messages from Thee. 4 Take my silver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold; Take my intellect, and use Every power as Thou shalt choose, Every power as Thou shalt choose. 5 Take my will, and make it Thine; It shall be no longer mine. Take my heart; it is Thine own; It shall be Thy royal throne, It shall be Thy royal throne. 6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour At Thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee, Ever, only, all for Thee.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on September 05, 2021, 03:51:39 AM
"Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming."
This is a big problem with so many today. They are running from this idea or theory to another; from one speaker to another or one author to another to find the peace and assurance they are searching for. The bible is very seldom referred to and when it is they use it to back up their favorite opinion. No wonder they have no peace. God's word is the only place we will find it for it brings us to Jesus who is the only source of that peace. If we look for it elsewhere we will become confused and dissatisfied. Let's not look for second hand food but go to the source, the bible, and search for ourselves that we may have God's kingdom in our hearts, not just searching for it.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 05, 2021, 06:53:08 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!! I heartily resonate with not trusting to man to find the kingdom of God! God has been teaching me to rely upon His word as the highest authority of truth, and to take that over impressions or experiences I may have, so I can choose His ideal like Jesus did! This is what has helped me to come to the joyful decision to follow Jesus' example in devoting my life to Him as a "eunuch for the kingdom of heaven's sake" (Matthew 19:12)! Instead of focusing on trying to establish an earthly family, I can rejoice to ALREADY be adopted into the heavenly family and make that the focus of life and ministry to invite other souls to be adopted into the family of God! What joy that Jesus gives us the freedom to make His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33)!!
Look upon Jesus and see what really matters! Let the things that are passing away not be the main focus in life, even while being faithful in our everyday responsibilities. As we share the three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12 and invite Jesus to guide us to follow Him whithersoever He goeth (Revelation 14:1-5), we can joyfully set our affections upon the kingdom of God and live a life to the glory of God! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be the supernatural evidence of our lives truly converted by His grace as we continually partake of His divine nature by receiving His exceedingly great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4)! May you affectionately obey God from the heart because Christ lives in you, the hope of glory!
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.' 2 Corinthians 5:20." {The Desire of Ages, page 510, paragraph 2}
Motivating others to follow Jesus by making His service appear attractive--as it really is--is such a joy!! May all you say and do today be a living witness of the loveliness of Jesus!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on December 01, 2021, 05:19:37 AM
"Remorse took hold of the disciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven their opinions and becloud their understanding. The Light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they had failed to comprehend whence were its beams. They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made it necessary for Christ to reprove them. They often repeated His conversations, and said, Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding!"
I empathize with the disciples when they fully realized Who had been with them. They longed for another opportunity to be with Him again that they may give Jesus their all. Oh the deep sorrow that comes with regrets. We all have them but praise God when we repent He lifts us up into His presence and by His marvelous grace He transforms us into new creatures that reflect His character. The disciples became a living example of what Jesus in the heart will do for each and every one of us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on December 01, 2021, 07:00:30 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit."
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
"Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
It is only by a full surrender to Jesus that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His Messengers. The question is: Are we willing to " fully surrender " to Jesus and let Him be the King of Kings in our daily lives?
1 All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 2 All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. 3 All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. 4 All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. 5 All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name!
Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939) Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on December 01, 2021, 07:32:59 AM
Amen brother and sister!! What a God we serve!! Like Peter we shall remember what we have done to our Savior, but we know He loves us and has forgiven us! Not only has He forgiven us, He has given us grace to be like Him!! Even though we are still evil by nature, as long as we love Him supremely, the Spirit dwells within and empowers us to keep His commandments!! Miracle of all miracles!!
When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4.
Living in evil wicked flesh, we (the heart) are cleansed whiter than snow, washed, sanctified, and justified in having eternal life with Jesus.....when we give all we have and all we are to the One who gave all for us!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 01, 2021, 07:49:59 AM
Praise the Lord that His kingdom is eternal, invisible and spiritual, for God is seeking to save every soul to the uttermost!!
Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Let us yield fully to Christ so He can live out His life in us!! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as long as we are vitally connected to Jesus! Then we are supernaturally enabled in Christ to obey the law of God from the heart renewed by the Holy Spirit! May we go forth as His missionaries today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on February 25, 2022, 08:53:12 PM
"God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity."
"But it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed..."
"That the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected."
Perhaps it's time for us to re-read the story of Job and be reminded that God will never lead us in a way that we would not want, if we could but see the Glorious End He has in store for His children. In our stormy days when things look so hopeless let us remember these words.
"God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected."
1 Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, The shadow of a mighty Rock Within a weary land; A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way, From the burning of the noontide heat, And the burden of the day. 2 Oh, safe and happy shelter! Oh, refuge tried and sweet! Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love And heaven’s justice meet. As to the holy patriarch That wondrous dream was given, So is my Savior by the cross A ladder up to heaven. 3 There lies beneath its shadow, But on the farther side, The darkness of an awful grave That gapes both deep and wide; And there between us stands the cross, Two arms outstretched to save, Like a watchman set to guard the way From that eternal grave. 4 Upon that cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see The very dying form of One, Who suffered there for me; And from my smitten heart, with tears, Two wonders I confess, The wonders of His glorious love, And my own worthlessness. 5 I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face; Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss, My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.
Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869) Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on February 26, 2022, 05:29:45 AM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
Here is our calling, this is our work. It will be successful only if God is dwelling in our lives. Through complete surrender to Christ the old nature is passed away and a new nature is born. When the world sees a church that reflects His character fully they will witness the power of God and make decisions for or against Him. Then Jesus will come. In the meantime individually we may be that witness on a smaller scale in service to all.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on February 26, 2022, 07:21:58 AM
Amen!! Some things are worthy of being repeated!
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on May 23, 2022, 08:44:00 PM
"God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity?
"However it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected."
"Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them."
"But..The Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire."
Are "WE" willing to put our full Faith and Trust in Jesus that He will Keep His Promise?
========================
I’ve wandered far away from God, Now I’m coming home; The paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home. Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam; Open wide Thine arms of love; Lord, I’m coming home. 2 I’ve wasted many precious years, Now I’m coming home; I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I’m coming home. 3 I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord, Now I’m coming home; I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy word; Lord, I’m coming home. 4 My soul is sick, my heart is sore, Now I’m coming home; My strength renew, my hope restore: Lord, I’m coming home. 5 My only hope, my only plea, Now I’m coming home; That Jesus died, and died for me; Lord, I’m coming home. 6 I need His cleansing blood, I know, Now I’m coming home; O wash me whiter than the snow; Lord, I’m coming home.
Lyrics & Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 24, 2022, 04:54:19 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!
Why did Jesus not try to overthrow the government? The cure needs to reach the heart. Only Christ can change the heart from sin to selflessness, and bring lasting change to lives that will manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing and obey God affectionately, keeping all of the Ten Commandments!
"The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 3}
The new heart is the miracle Christ offers us, and that enables us to be the change in the world that is so needed now as Jesus is coming soon, so others' hearts can be reached! "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). Are you willing to open the whole heart to Christ so His kingdom can be established in your life?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on May 24, 2022, 09:47:46 AM
Amen pastor Sean! The new heart is indeed the greatest of all miracles. It is a pure and clean heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on May 24, 2022, 09:09:29 PM
There are times when I feel like I have awakened from a dream. Like the disciples who for 3 1/2 years did not realize the blessings that were theirs to be with the Son of God, I at times get caught up in things of this world when Jesus is giving me the opportunity to work with Him in preparing a people to receive Him at His second coming. He had much to say to them, but they were not able to hear His Words because of their earthly considerations. So it has been with me all too often. Because we fail to understand our opportunity we have delayed His coming.
As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. They recognized the fact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being, unaided by divine agency, could comprehend. They needed the help of Him whom kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. With amazement they read and reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! how slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ! Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature. Their eyes were holden, so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity. But after they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see Him again, and to place themselves at His feet! How they wished that they might come to Him, and have Him explain the scriptures which they could not comprehend! How attentively would they listen to His words! What had Christ meant when He said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? John 16:12. How eager they were to know it all! They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality.
Lord help me to strengthen my faith that I might not be so dull of mind.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on August 18, 2022, 08:02:51 PM
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established,
"But by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit."
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13.
"Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind."
"The human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God."
It is only by a full surrender to Jesus that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His Messengers. The question is: Are we willing to " fully surrender " to Jesus and let Him be the King of Kings in our daily lives?
===================
1 All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 2 All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. 3 All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. 4 All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. 5 All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name!
Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939) Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 19, 2022, 04:58:40 AM
What do we need to understand and experience the kingdom of God?
"Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book." {The Desire of Ages, page 506, paragraph 2}
We need the Holy Spirit to fill the soul fully surrendered to Him and cleansed from sin. Christ living in us can accomplish the great miracle of our lives being a living outflow of His life, manifesting all of the fruits of His Spirit without one missing as we are empowered to obey God from the heart of love! What a joy it is to experience the kingdom of heaven now and forevermore as long as we choose to abide in Christ!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on August 19, 2022, 06:00:34 AM
Amen Pastor Sean! The disciples wandered in and out of conversion prior to the cross. As the Holy Spirit opened their minds to the sufferings of Jesus, and that for their salvation, they saw the glory of Jesus. As Jesus hung on the cross they did not know Jesus had to suffer and die for their sins. Many today do not understand that it was not just the death of Jesus, but He had to suffer for the sins of the whole world. As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things.
What was the result of this new understanding?
As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things.
Yes, there was supernatural power given them, but the greatest of all miracles is the transformation of the heart, the character. That is the miracle of all miracles and it also requires supernatural power to turn sinners into saints. When discovering the extent of grace they were more consistent in their holding on to Jesus. May we be also as we behold His wonderful grace.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established,
"But by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit."
Amen Brother Beacon!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on November 13, 2022, 08:02:59 PM
"As the sayings of Christ were brought to the disciples remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought."
"The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream."
"They realized that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
"We beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14."
"Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam."
"The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this."
"They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works."
"His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation."
"The Scriptures became to them a new book."
Lord Open " OUR EYES " That WE ALSO might be Willing and Able to Serve You with ALL our Hearts.
===============================
1 Open my eyes that I may see Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine! 2 Open my ears that I may hear Voices of truth Thou sendest clear; And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear. 3 Open my mouth and let me bear Tidings of mercy everywhere; Open my heart and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share. 4 Open my mind that I may read More of Thy love in word and deed; What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead? Only for light from Thee I plead.
Lyrics:Clara H. Scott Music:Clara H. Scott
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Philip T on November 14, 2022, 04:28:26 AM
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.
Fascinating and loaded paragraph to ponder upon, the only way to salvation/God's kingdom is faith in Jesus, combined with surrender and obedience, along with the infilling of the Holy Spirt in our lives can one become qualified for the kingdom of God. The Holy spirit acts we surrender and allow transformation which is followed by obedience out of love for God, then God can use us for the uplifting of mankind around us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 14, 2022, 06:13:23 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Philip!!
There are many parallels to the time of Christ's first advent and ministry to the ministry He has given His people heralding the three angels' messages (Revelation 14:6-12) as the world is now on the verge of His second coming. One of the parallels is the corruption and immorality we see permeating our society, affecting so many systems. But Jesus, our Savior and Example, focused on the work the Father gave Him in working to reach the hearts of people, as He knew that was what was needed for there to be any real change. When we surrender our whole heart to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives as we are empowered to obey God from the heart. No matter how corrupt things are in this world, we can each be converted through responding by faith to the grace of God and be missionaries to do good in our world to help prepare people for the kingdom of heaven. Christ will soon return, and His eternal government of love, peace and truth will reign forever.
"The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 3}
While we live in this world, we are to make it better for our stay in it, and allow God to make us the salt and light that will help to restrain evil among men. Performing faithfully our civic duties, we need to remember that God is ultimately in control, and the greatest victories to be gained are not political, but spiritual (when hearts are thoroughly changed and the soul gladly learns to obey God). By living a consistent life in Christ, others can be drawn to Christ and choose, by His grace, to be converted and resist evil. Praise the Lord!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on November 14, 2022, 07:31:50 PM
Amen Brother Beacon! Lord open our eyes!! One day soon we will better understand that it was our privilege to bless our Savior!
They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality. A herald had been sent from God to proclaim the coming of Christ, and to call the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to His mission, that men might prepare for His reception. The wonderful personage whom John had announced had been among them for more than thirty years, and they had not really known Him as the One sent from God. Remorse took hold of the disciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven their opinions and becloud their understanding. The Light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they had failed to comprehend whence were its beams. They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made it necessary for Christ to reprove them. They often repeated His conversations, and said, Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on February 08, 2023, 08:19:57 PM
"It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission."
'After the disciples had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory."
"As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought."
"The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream."
"They realized that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' John 1:14."
"Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam."
"The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this."
"They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works."
"His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation.
"The Scriptures became to them a new book."
This is the daily experience we need!! We need to spend more time with Jesus every day!!
Are "WE" willing to do that??
=================== 1 More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me. More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me. 2 More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. 3 More about Jesus; in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord; Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine. 4 More about Jesus; on His throne, Riches in glory all His own; More of His kingdom’s sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of Peace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on February 09, 2023, 05:06:28 AM
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
What a privilege, what an honor, what a responsibility to be called as ambassadors for Christ.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 09, 2023, 06:50:10 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!
What a paradigm shift! During Jesus' personal ministry with His disciples, they often kept trying to ignore or disregard His clear words about His crucifixion (as they hoped it would not actually happen), but after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they considered it a high honor to suffer for His name! They had been thoroughly converted and transformed! The disciples were converted before the crucifixion, clearly revealed by Jesus' words when He washed their feet and said "ye are clean, but not all" (John 13:10), for, with the exception of Judas, all had made that complete surrender. The Holy Spirit had changed them in heart to be willing to concede the highest place to another. Yet being converted at one point is not enough--for we need to remain in a converted state and be thoroughly transformed in every area of character! Conversion is the result of a long, protracted process of wooing by God's Holy Spirit, and will always bring all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as the soul is empowered to obey God's holy law (the Ten Commandments) up to the light revealed. Such an experience is to be maintained by a continual surrender of the will to Christ. It was after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that God could do SO MUCH MORE for the disciples because they FELT THEIR NEED of His help and were learning more fully each day that God's kingdom is not based on external measures of greatness, but holiness of heart and life, for "the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).
"As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced 'that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.' Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things." {The Desire of Ages, page 508, paragraph 3}
Thus, as we learn more each day, following in the sacrificial steps of Jesus, we can also remember that "fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}
May you rejoice in whatever plans God's providence leads you into for His kingdom sake, even though it be at the loss of all things, and even life itself! "Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee" (Psalm 63:3)! Praising God in our tribulations and trials that we endure for His sake is a powerful witness to reach others with the true experience of the gospel! Giving the Three Angels' Messages of Revelation 14:6-12 while having the experience of Revelation 14:1-5 is so powerful that it hastens Jesus' return and impels us to go to the ends of the earth to reach souls bought at the cost of Jesus' blood!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on February 09, 2023, 01:35:41 PM
An interesting chapter! How many today need to have a similar awaking to the glory of God. We all will benefit from a deeper revelation of God's glory (His character). Like the disciples, even though we have received a revelation of the character of our Savior, we want more. At times we seem to be in a play, not really understanding the glory of the God we serve. How often we forget He is the Creator of all worlds. He keeps our heart beating. He loves us so much that He risked His Son that we might be transformed in character that we might reflect His character to a world soon to perish.
Our brothers and sister have seen the light as it has come to us today. Praise God! We can be cleansed from sin and have a new heart. Jesus want to wash our heart whiter then snow.
"But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on May 05, 2023, 05:54:31 PM
Jesus said, "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ."
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws..."
"But with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience."
"Paul said: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20.
"Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men."
"He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20."
Are "YOU & I " Willing to be Reconciled to God??
===================== 1 All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 2 All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. 3 All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. 4 All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. 5 All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name!
Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939) Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)
=================================
I came home from the hospital this evening and felt deeply grateful for God's mercy and all of my remnant family ties who have also been praying. THANK YOU!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 06, 2023, 05:16:13 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!! Prayers have been answered for your healing!! Praise God!!!
Happy Sabbath!! Let's value what heaven really values and teach and practice God's word so many can be saved in God's appointed way!
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. 'As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.' John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 4}
Receiving God's word in complete surrender means that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing, empowering us to obey God up to the light of His truth revealed in our path! Praise God!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on May 06, 2023, 06:31:47 PM
Good to see you back dear Brother Beacon!! We have missed you much!! God is so very GOOD!!! And in answer to your question, yes we very much want to be reconciled to God and remain reconciled to Him. This is our hope that we do not crucify our Lord again. And, as Pastor Sean has pointed out, the only way we can glorify our Lord is to be born again of the Spirit.
There are many today who sorrow over the evil in this world and they set out to change things not realizing their efforts will fail in bringing about a change. Jesus did not enter into what Rome did even as evil as they were. It is the heart of man that needs to be transformed (cleansed). And that is the work entrusted to all who love the Lord our God with the whole heart.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on July 31, 2023, 08:13:03 PM
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws..."
"...But with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul."
""I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20."
"Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men."
"He said,"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20."
What a grand privilege and responsibility is our to be ambassadors for Jesus!!
======================= 1 Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted, Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard; Not I, but Christ in every look and action, Not I, but Christ in every thought and word. Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord, Oh, to be lost in Thee, Oh, that it may be no more I, But Christ that lives in me. 2 Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow, Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear; Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden, Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear. 3 Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling, Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound; Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing, Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found. 4 Not I, but Christ my every need supplying, Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be; Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body, Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me. 5 Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision, Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see; Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling, Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.
Lyrics:Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891) Music:Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 01, 2023, 06:46:48 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!
How blinding selfishness and earthliness are! Let’s look to Jesus in humble faith, yield the whole heart to Him, and allow Him to produce in and through us a new character revealing all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as Christ supernaturally empowers us to obey the Ten Commandments!
“Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ’s ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour’s character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that ‘the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book.” {The Desire of Ages, page 506, paragraph 4}
The beauty and power of the Bible can be ever-fresh to us as we abide in Christ, appreciating His character, renouncing selfishness and earthliness, because we dwell in the kingdom of God that has begun within the heart. Thankfully, God’s kingdom endures forever, while selfishness and earthliness pass away.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on August 01, 2023, 07:52:56 PM
Amen my dear brothers!! How dimly we see what we could see. :( But, as we behold as in a glass the gory of God, we see enough that we love Him with all of the heart!
Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart.
Love the Lord our God with all of the heart and you will be in heaven, in a world without sin. It begins here on this dark spot in the universe!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on October 26, 2023, 08:06:15 PM
'After the disciples had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory."
"As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought."
"The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream."
"They realized that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' John 1:14."
"Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam."
"The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this."
"They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works."
"His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation.
"The Scriptures became to them a new book."
This is the daily experience we need!! We need to spend more time with Jesus every day!!
Are "WE" willing to do that??
====================== 1 More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me. More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me. 2 More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. 3 More about Jesus; in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord; Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine. 4 More about Jesus; on His throne, Riches in glory all His own; More of His kingdom’s sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of Peace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on October 27, 2023, 05:05:37 AM
Amen Brother Beacon. At times it seems like I have awakened from a dream also. It is the God of heaven that we serve, How is it that we could let our minds wander away from Him during the day? One day we will wake up and discern the glory of the Savior we serve.
Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming. "The days will come," He said, turning to His disciples, "when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it." Because it is not attended by worldly pomp, you are in danger of failing to discern the glory of My mission. You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God. Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book.
It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time. The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world.
As it was then, so it is today. God is with us, but He wants to be in us. What a privilege!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 27, 2023, 06:41:21 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard! Praise God that we can choose to keep our minds stayed on Him as we pray, sing, meditate upon His word, and go forth to bless others like Jesus did! Our life can be one of continual union and communion! The sweeter the fellowship with Jesus, the more encouraging it is to stay vitally connected to God by the Holy Spirit!
Let's help build up the kingdom of God by following Christ's method that brings true success!
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. 'As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.' John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 509, paragraph 4}
When Jesus is received as a personal Savior from sin into the life and we abide in Him, His kingdom of grace begins in our hearts and we partake of His divine nature which is revealed in true obedience to God's commandments up to the light we have received with the accompanying witness of all of the fruits of the Spirit in the life without one missing! As such a complete surrender is continued in the Christian life, we can go from victory to victory in extending the triumph of the cross, for Jesus is coming very soon to take His converted children home!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on January 21, 2024, 08:11:55 PM
"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ."
"The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity."
"Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found."
"They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12, R. V."
"And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time."
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show."
"The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world."
Are 'WE' wiling to bury "SELF" So that "ONLY JESUS" will be "Seen & Heard ?? ===========================
1 Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted, Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard; Not I, but Christ in every look and action, Not I, but Christ in every thought and word. Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord, Oh, to be lost in Thee, Oh, that it may be no more I, But Christ that lives in me. 2 Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow, Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear; Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden, Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear. 3 Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling, Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound; Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing, Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found. 4 Not I, but Christ my every need supplying, Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be; Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body, Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me. 5 Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision, Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see; Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling, Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.
Lyrics:Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891) Music:Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on January 22, 2024, 05:58:40 AM
"Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming."
When the world sees in us the indwelling of God's kingdom they will acknowledge that we are different in a way they have never known. With Jesus in the heart they will witness a life laden with all the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance and they will all be evident without one missing. That is the proof that the kingdom of God has come to reside in the heart
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Philip T on January 22, 2024, 06:20:44 AM
The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14.
I was struck with this paragraph, we are either of this world, or willing to humble ourselves before God and allow His Holy Spirit to direct and lead our lives, there is no middle ground, it is one or the other. Which one do we chose to follow today? Our eternal life depends on the choice we make.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Richard Myers on January 22, 2024, 07:34:04 AM
Amen dear friends!
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 22, 2024, 04:13:30 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, Brother Philip, and Brother Richard!
Let it go! When we surrender fully to Christ, all the selfishness and earthliness that would tend to obstruct the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness can be cast away as worthless dross so we can abide in Christ in an affectionate union and communion with the Savior who is powerful enough to restore the most broken sinner into a transformed saint reflecting all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! What a joy to overcome in Christ and obey His commandments because they are the definition of true happiness! We can learn from the struggles of the experiences the disciples had in finding what truly matters and keeping Christ in His infinite loveless central! Praise God for the love of Christ!
"Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book." {The Desire of Ages, page 506, paragraph 4}
There is no limit to what God can do with us as we are all in, all the time, all the way!!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Beacon on April 16, 2024, 08:26:23 PM
"It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission."
"After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory."
"As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream."
"They realized that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14"
"Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation."
"The Scriptures became to them a new book."
Should not "WE" not also be earnestly praying for the same "Born Again" Experience??
============================= 1 Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole, I want Thee forever to live in my soul; Break down every idol, cast out every foe; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Whiter than snow; yes, whiter than snow; Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. 2 Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain, Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain; To get this blest cleansing I all things forego; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 3 Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies, And help me to make a complete sacrifice; I give up myself and whatever I know; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 4 Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat; I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet; By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 5 Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait; Come now, and within me a new heart create; To those who have sought Thee Thou never saidst, No; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lyrics:James Nicholson Music:William Gustavus Fischer
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Dorine on April 17, 2024, 04:45:58 AM
"The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,--extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart."
Counsel pertinent for us today. Let's not forget our mission here on earth by getting caught up in the politics of the world. We must obey until it crosses the line of what God commands of us and continually moving on with a passion and a mission of searching for lost souls.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--55--Not With Outward Show
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 17, 2024, 07:40:17 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!
There is so much more. Jesus was yearning that His disciples would grasp the deep, spiritual meaning of His words and the kingdom He had come to establish in their hearts. But so often they missed it. Selfishness and earthliness often kept them distracted from what Christ was seeking to accomplish. Oh, let us learn from their experience and appreciate more fully all that Christ is to us by receiving the Holy Spirit into our hearts in a complete surrender, converting us to manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we abide in Christ and obey God up to the light He has shown us.
"'The days will come,' He said, turning to His disciples, 'when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.' Because it is not attended by worldly pomp, you are in danger of failing to discern the glory of My mission. You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God. Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ's ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour's character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book." {The Desire of Ages, page 506, paragraph 1}
May God's word be ever fresh and new to you as you let Him reveal the glory of His spiritual kingdom, growing in grace to do His will each day!